Jannes Labuschagne is out of the Cats Vodacom Super 14 tour without playing a game.

The former Bok lock, who has been a shadow of the international player who wore green and gold in 2002, returns home after failing to beat a calf injury that has troubled him since the opening game against the Stormers.

Labuschagne, who has played very little rugby in the last three years because of injury, must now seriously be considering retirement.

Gordon Gilfillan takes his place.

The Cats have already lost Ashwin Willemse to injury and Andre Pretorius only returns in a fortnight after missing the opening month because of injury.

Conrad Jantjes has joined the team and is expected to play on Friday against the Waratahs.